Formerly homeless salon owner gives back with sleeping bag drive

PHOENIX -- Although he's a successful business owner now, Tad Caldwell knows what it's like to be homeless and reliant on the kindness of others. It's that generosity he wants to provide to people who are where he was.

Having been homeless himself for a time, Caldwell knows that something as simple as a sleeping bag -- something to keep warm during the cold winter nights -- can make a huge difference in a person's life.

"Hopefully we can help some people out," he said.

Hair Pollution salon is hosting an open house Saturday, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Not only can people donate at the event, but they also can order a sleeping bag online and have it shipped to the salon.

"A lot of people already have started sending then in this week," Caldwell said.

The salon also is accepting backpacks, hygiene products and undergarments -- anything the homeless can use.

The plan is to deliver the sleeping bags and other donations -- as many they can collect -- to C.A.S.S. next week.

C.A.S.S. is the largest provider of shelter and supportive services in Arizona, helping some 10,000 people each year. The organization has been fighting to end homelessness in Phoenix for more than 25 years.

For more information about Hair Pollution's sleeping-bag drive for C.A.S.S., call 602-258-8600 or check out HairPollution.org.